What is an Health Requirements for New Zealand Visa Approvals?
Your health condition is vital to the approval process when seeking a residence or temporary visa in New Zealand. The health requirements are designed to ensure that applicants do not threaten public health, do not burden New Zealand’s healthcare system, and are capable of fulfilling the work or study obligations associated with their visa. This guide provides an in-depth overview of these criteria and what you must do to satisfy them.
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Health Criteria for Visa Approvals
Before your visa application can be approved, you must meet the acceptable standard of health criteria. These criteria help Immigration New Zealand determine if you pose any health risks or will require significant health services during your stay. Specifically, the requirements assess if:
- You pose a risk to public health.
- You might incur substantial costs or demands on New Zealand’s health services.
- You might require ongoing resourcing, such as support through the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS).
- Your health could prevent you from working or studying, depending on the purpose of your visa.
It is important to note that when assessing your health, Immigration New Zealand does not consider:
- Your ability to pay for health services.
- Your access to private healthcare.
- Any health insurance you may have.
- Support from family, friends, or charitable organizations.
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Who Needs a Medical Examination
As part of the visa application process, you may required to undergo a medical examination or provide a chest X-ray. It is necessary to determine whether you meet the acceptable standard of health. Depending on the results of your medical examination, Immigration New Zealand may:
- Proceed with your application if you meet the health criteria.
- Refer your case to one of their medical assessors, a registered New Zealand medical practitioner, for a medical opinion.
The medical assessor may:
- Request additional medical information to complete the assessment.
- Continue processing your application if you meet the health criteria.
- Consider if you are eligible for a medical waiver if you do not meet the requirements.
- Decline your visa application if you do not meet the health criteria and are not eligible for a medical waiver.
Residence Visas and Health Criteria
For residence visas, your application may be declined if you or someone included in your application has any of the following conditions:
- Hepatitis B or C has criteria for antiviral treatment.
- Malignancies such as cancer, unless treated and with a low probability of recurrence.
- Organ transplants require ongoing immune suppression.
- Severe or chronic disorders affect organs like the kidneys or liver and the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiac, or respiratory systems.
- Significant hereditary or autoimmune diseases.
- Severe hearing or vision impairment, which requires significant support.
- Severe developmental or cognitive impairments.
- Major psychiatric illness or addiction.
- A history of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).
Additionally, your application may be declined if the expected health services costs exceed NZD 81,000 (NZD 41,000 if the application was made before 4 September 2022).
Temporary Visas and Health Criteria
For temporary visas, your application may be declined if your health condition is likely to require:
- Hospitalization.
- Residential care.
- High-cost pharmaceuticals.
- High-cost disability services during your stay in New Zealand.
Working Holiday Visa Medical Requirements
Depending on your country of origin and health history, specific medical and X-ray certificates may be required for those applying for a working holiday visa or an Essential Skills Work Visa.
Additional Requirements
When required to undergo a medical examination or provide a chest X-ray:
- Identity Documents: You must present valid documents when undergoing medical examinations or X-rays.
- eMedical and INZ Health Case Reference Numbers help track your medical assessment. Make sure to provide them to the examining physician.
- Finding a Radiologist or Doctor: Immigration New Zealand lists approved radiologists and doctors near you.
What Happens After the Examination
Your X-ray and medical examination results are sent to Immigration New Zealand for assessment. Based on the results, they will decide whether to approve your visa application, request further medical information, or decline your application if the health criteria are unmet.
Medical Care in New Zealand
With a valid visa, you may be eligible for public healthcare in New Zealand. However, the level of care available depends on your visa type and the specific healthcare services you need.
Countries with Health Risks
New Zealand identifies certain countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and others with a high risk of HIV. If you are from one of these countries, specific medical checks may be required for your visa application.
Medical Waivers for Visa Applications
In some cases, even if you do not meet the acceptable standard of health criteria, you may still be granted a visa through a medical waiver. This is considered case-by-case and involves a thorough assessment of your health condition.
This guide clarifies the health criteria used by Immigration New Zealand to assess visa applications. Understanding these requirements will help you better prepare for the application process and ensure that you meet the necessary health standards for your desired visa type.
Reference – https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
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